Tag Archives: Mommy and Daughter Love

My Daughter: One of the Reasons I Strive to be Healthy and Fit

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We’ve all heard the cliché phrase, “Tomorrow’s not promised,” and perhaps it really hit home during the pandemic. For me, having my daughter at 35 made me think about my own mortality and how I want to do everything in my power to be around and healthy for her.

My eight year old is one of the reasons I go hard when taking kickboxing classes, strength training classes or even going for a run. She’ll often ask to come with me when I’m working out, which makes me feel good.

Something else positive that‘s come from my motivation to be healthy is that Quinn is watching me even when I don’t realize it. More and more, she mimics my behavior. Like me, she wakes up early to exercise. She often finds kid-friendly exercise videos on YouTube.

Most recently, we got similar workout clothes, and she asked if we could both wear them when I did my strength training class yesterday. If I’m honest, I still feel a bit awkward if my stomach shows exposing stretch marks from being pregnant with Quinn, but she makes me feel more confident, which is another way I’m becoming more healthy because of her.

All the best,

Tanya

Am I Officially a Dance Mom? Celebrating My Daughter’s First Dance Competition

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There were nearly 100 dance numbers an people everywhere. I was probably a little overwhelmed than my eight year old was as we attended her first dance competition yesterday. We arrived two hours early to get prepared and I summoned what little make-up skills I had to get Quinn “stage ready.” Thank goodness the dance owner of Zero Gravity Dance Company was there to assist me with applying eyelashes.

On the drive to the hotel, Quinn informed me that she was a bit nervous, but once she put in her costume, had her makeup on and practiced her hip hop number, I could see the excitement in her eyes and voice.

Though the event lasted until late in the evening, and I was growing tired, I’m so glad that I was able to support Quinn in her goals and interests. I love helping her do what she loves and felt so proud of her as she danced on the stage with the children in their hip hop number

I don’t think I’ll ever embody all of the traits of a “dance mom,” but I will always make sacrifices for my daughter and cheer her on like a maniac from the audience.

All the best,

Tanya

“Seeing” Myself in My Daughter

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When Quinn came home after doing some shopping with her dad a couple of weeks ago, she was excited to show me what she purchased from Claire’s with her gift card she got for Christmas from her aunt. As she took items out of the bag, I was quickly reminded about what I liked when I was about her age: jewelry and glasses.

I didn’t need glasses as a child but always wanted a pair to cover up my mole between my eyebrows. Plus at one point it just seemed cool and fun to wear glasses. Quinn doesn’t need glasses either but was so excited to buy two pair of non-prescription glasses at Claire’s. They do look nice on her, and she looks even more like her dad who did need to wear glasses.

Now, for the past week or so, she’s asked if she could wear them to school. I said sure as I thought about being her age wanting to pretend I wore classes, and of course her teacher and friends even asked if they were real. Occasionally, her teacher will post pictures on Class Dojo of the students doing activities, and low and behold, I saw one of Quinn doing her presentation wearing her “new glasses.” That picture made me see a glimpse of myself as a child.

All the best,

Tanya

My Daughter, My Special Valentine

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Most people associate Valentine’s Day with couples or that it’s another way for us to fall into the commercialization of another holiday. While I get this interpretation, I also think it’s a way to share a little extra love with our children. Of course, ideally, we should shower our children with love year round, but sometimes these holidays help us to pause and recognize the importance of family and expressing love.

When I was my daughter’s age, my mom would get my siblings and me a sweet treat or something else special for Valentine’s Day, so it’s always a pleasure when I can take my mom and daughter out together to celebrate our love as a family. It’s times like this that I love and look forward to having as core memories.

All the best,

Tanya

A Merry Christmas with the “Presence” of Family

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When I asked my daughter what she enjoyed most about Christmas yesterday, she said that she loved getting presents, but it made her feel good to give presents too because she loves seeing how happy people are as they open gifts. But she also said getting to spend time with family was something she really enjoyed.

Last year, we were stayed at home for Christmas as Covid restrictions were in full swing, there was limited vaccines and it was highly recommended that people limit their interactions to just their immediate family. With the Omicron variant on the rise, we may find ourselves back under restrictions as it continues to make its way to more people.

It’s times like this that I’m glad we have a relatively small family and that we’re all taking precautions to remain safe. While no one knows for sure what will happen in the days or months to come, just like Quinn, I’m so glad I got to enjoy the presence of my family for Christmas.

All the best,

Tanya

It’s a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday!

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It seems like more people than usual are struggling to feel festive or have holiday spirit. It’s times like this that I’m grateful for my eight year old daughter and our year and a half old toy poodle who constantly lift my spirits during this time of the year.

They definitely keep me merry, especially Quinn as she opened her gifts this morning displaying appreciation for each one.

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

All the best,

Tanya

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to me… The Joy of Relaxing in Our Matching Pajamas

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On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to me… The Joy of Relaxing in Our Matching Pajamas.

Very seldom do I give myself a pajama day, but when I do, it’s usually around Christmas time with my daughter.

I’m looking forward to us just watching Christmas movies, baking cookies for Santa and relaxing on Christmas Eve.

All the best,

Tanya

On the Tenth Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to me… A Reminder That It’s Fun to Be Festive

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On the Tenth Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to me… A Reminder That It’s Fun to Be Festive. Something Quinn and I both love are decorations. We especially love decorating ourselves for the holidays.

When she put on Christmas tree glasses, headband boppers snd held up the “I’ve been nice” sign, I couldn’t resist taking her picture. That look with her standing in front of our photo collage of past Christmas memories just puts a huge smile on my face and reminds me to let loose and have a little fun!

All the best,

Tanya

On the Ninth Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to me… A Smile and Laughter As We Watched The Little Mermaid the Musical

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On the Ninth Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to me… A Smile and Laughter As We Watched The Little Mermaid the Musical. Quinn had her first theater experience at three years old to see Annie at the Walnut Street Theatre, and she loved it!

With the exception of last year, due to restrictions, we’ve seen a play together every December for the holiday season. One year, it was Christmas Story the Musical, another, Mathilde and even Shrek the Musical.

According to Quinn, “The Little Mermaid” was one of her favorites. The actress did such a lovely job and had a beautiful singing voice. All of the actors actually did a fantastic job.

I hope this is a tradition we will keep for years to come.

All the best,

Tanya

On the Eighth Day of Christmas, My “Family” Gave to me… A Wonderful Time at Our Holiday Party

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On the Eighth Day of Christmas, My “Family” Gave to me… A Wonderful Time at Our Holiday Party! I love my family, and I’m grateful for the time we get to spend together.

For over a decade, I’ve been hosting a holiday party, but last year it didn’t happen because of the restrictions. Though I love my extended and immediate family, this year, I made it much smaller with just my immediate family members.

Quinn, my daughter, was so excited, and I was too!

It was a fun time for all with good, sweets, games, talking and laughter. Yesterday put us all in a festive mood.

All the best,

Tanya